When little Angelica was born in 2018, her parents were overjoyed, embracing the heart-shaped port wine stain on her face as a beautiful part of her identity.
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However, not everyone shared their perspective. The baby girl from Adelaide, South Australia, quickly became the target of cruel comments from strangers. Her mother, Marianna, recalls heartbreaking remarks, with some calling Angelica “hideous” and even suggesting she would never find love.
“The worst comment online that I’ve gotten is when someone asked if her face had been pushed onto a skillet,” Marianna told The Mirror. “In person, the most hurtful thing was when someone at a soccer game told me she was a ‘defect’ and then just walked away.”
Despite constant suggestions to cover Angelica’s birthmark with makeup or downplay its permanence, Marianna remained firm in her belief that her daughter was perfect just as she was.
“They are literally bullying a baby,” Marianna said. “She’s not even two yet. It’s disgusting behavior.”
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A Mother’s Powerful Stand for Her Daughter
Determined to spread awareness and celebrate her daughter’s unique features, Marianna took a bold step in 2020. On Vascular Birthmark Awareness Day, she painted her own face—and her older daughter’s, to match Angelica’s birthmark.
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“Initially, I just did a heart with my makeup, but then I thought, why not go all out and do Angelica’s port wine stain?” she said.
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Angelica has since undergone medical tests confirming her overall health, though doctors continue to monitor her for glaucoma, a potential risk associated with port wine stains.
Now, as a confident little girl, Angelica radiates joy and resilience, proving that beauty comes in all forms.
“It breaks my heart to think about anyone being mean to her,” Marianna said. “But she is so confident and isn’t afraid of anything. We couldn’t be prouder.”
What do you think, does Angelica’s birthmark make her even more unique and beautiful? Let us know in the comments!
